The John Adams Society

Jason D. Hoffman

Chairman

David W. Downing

Secretary

G. Larry Colson Jr.

Chief Whip

Marina Wolff

Chancellor

NOVEMBER 2017

"The attempt to politicize everything is the destruction of politics. When everything is seen as relevant to politics, then politics has in fact become totalitarian."

― Bernard Crick

IF YOU DON’T STAND FOR SOMETHING, you’ll fall for anything. Each of us must know what he stands for, and remain ever vigilant against the sly and surreptitious attempts of our political opposites to impose their will upon us all, often in seemingly innocent and mundane ways. The nation – indeed, the world – is at a tipping point in the culture war. The enemy cannot be allowed to advance on any front. Shopping. Investing. Entertainment. Restrooms. The “Star Spangled Banner.” Climate. Weather. All present an opportunity to prove our own righteousness, and to stand firm against injustices perpetrated by our cultural and political enemies.

Some will lament that we can’t talk to one another, that there is no ability to find so-called "common ground" or to "compromise." But compromise is overrated. No one wants a luxury Yugo or a compact Bentley. Compromise doesn’t work. There is only a right way and a wrong way. Our way is right; their way is wrong. We must stand firm for what we know is right, just and true, whether it be the stores we favor, the cars we drive, or the coffee we drink.

ON THE OTHER HAND, there’s good reason to abstain from talking about politics or religion in polite company. A strong nation requires that we have more unifying us than dividing us, and we must embrace our shared values. Not so long ago, a “moment of unity” occurred when everyone simply stood together during the National Anthem; “unity” didn’t require people to also hold hands, kneel, or all remain in the locker room together. And an act of nature recognizes no political parties. It’s not proof that one person’s politics are more righteous than another’s, or that one’s political adversaries are evil or incompetent. To borrow from Freud, sometimes a hurricane is just a hurricane.

THE CHAIRMAN, still blaming a conspiracy of Minnesota liberals for the season-ending injury to his beloved Aaron Rodgers, has called a debate to settle the topic:

RESOLVED: Politicize Everything!

The Debate will be held on November 1, 2017, at the University Club, 420 Summit Avenue, in Saint Paul. The Chancellor will preside over drinks beginning at seven o’clock p.m. The debate will begin at half past seven. There is no dress code, however gentlemen who wish to speak must wear a tie; ladies are encouraged to adhere to a similar sartorial standard. For those gentlemen arriving sans tie yet wishing to discourse on the resolution, the Purveyor of Ties will keep on hand several remarkable selections. Questions regarding debate caucus procedures or about the John Adams Society itself may be directed to the Chairman at (651)245-6991 or the Secretary at (651)485-1699.